SkyStar aerostats for Central American customer

RT LTA Systems has received a contract to provide four SkyStar aerostat systems to a governmental agency of an unnamed country in Central America.

Under the contract, RT LTA will provide three SkyStar 180 aerostat systems and one SkyStar 110 micro-tactical aerostat system.

SkyStar 180 is a small-sized mobile aerostat, designed for tactical mid-range surveillance. Based on a towable trailer, the system has a stabilised day/night electro-optical payload suspended from a helium-filled aerostat, tethered to a ground system.

The system can operate continuously at wind velocity of up to 40kt and can lift a payload of up to 20kg, providing surveillance coverage from an altitude of up to 1,000ft for up to 72 hours, after which it is brought down for a 20-minute helium refill. Only two people are required to fully maintain the system.

SkyStar 110 is a micro-balloon system, designed to provide commanders in the field with a real-time reconnaissance capability. The system can be assembled and launched in only 15 minutes, for a 1,500ft surveillance range.

The systems will be delivered in the coming weeks and will be used for homeland security purposes.